This Resource provides information on the ketogenic diet and related matters
like epilepsy and cerebral palsy in young children. It is particularly intended
for UK visitors, but most of the information is relevant to interested visitors,
world-wide.

Weasel words

The Ketogenic Resource is not a source of medical advice; if you need
professional advice you should consult your doctor or neurologist. It is,
however, intended to provide useful information and access to other sources of
information.

Some of the opinions expressed may be controversial; so
far as possible these have been highlighted in red.

The ketogenic diet is a high fat diet that can control epileptic fits in some
cases, although it is not known how it works. This section provides
comprehensive information on the ketogenic diet and related matters, including:

A general introduction

Advice on the practical management of the ketogenic diet

An explanation of the principles underlying the ketogenic diet

A review of supplements for the ketogenic diet

Sample ketogenic diet protocols

Information about related diets

Resources for the ketogenic diet

We believe that the ketogenic diet is very important
and should be used as the treatment of choice for difficult epilepsies.

Epilepsy is the physical manifestation of an underlying brain dysfunction. As
a consequence, it comes in many forms. Infantile spasms are a particularly
harmful form of epilepsy, which can result in mental and physical retardation
unless brought under control rapidly.

The ketogenic diet appears to be a valuable form of
treatment for infantile spasms.

Cerebral palsy is a long term disorder causing impaired control of movement.
The symptoms develop over the first few years of life, and generally do not
worsen thereafter. The disorder is caused by damage to the motor control areas
of the brain which disrupts the brain's ability to control movement and posture.

Marchant was born on 27 March 1996, and had hypoxia and fits at birth. He was
diagnosed with infantile spasms at seven months and initially treated with
vigabatrin, then ACTH. After three disastrous weeks, the drugs were withdrawn.

He started on the ketogenic diet in November 1996, when he was having 100+
fits a day. Marchant is now effectively fit free, although this took some five
months to achieve. He used a 4+ to 1 diet, with MCT oil and carnitine additives
- no drugs.

In spite of all his difficulties, Marchant is a very happy child, who charms
everyone he meets. He also has excellent taste, liking white burgundy, early
english music and women with long hair - which he delights to pull (the women,
that is).